The Chairperson of Namibia’s Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources, Tobie Aupindi has called for the establishment of a national gas company, warning that Namibia risks losing control of its energy resources if governance and local participation remain weak.
Speaking at a stakeholder engagement on natural resources, Aupindi said Namibia must move urgently to ensure the country’s oil and gas wealth benefits citizens rather than foreign investors.
“That is why the government must establish a national gas company. Such an institution would help Namibia retain strategic control over its energy future. Oil and natural gas often originate within the same geological systems and are extracted through related processes. Establishing national control early is essential,” he said.
Aupindi warned that Namibia could fall victim to the “resource curse” if stronger national control measures are not introduced as international investors increase their presence in the country’s extractive industries.
He also called for stricter beneficiation policies, including limiting the export of raw minerals unless they are processed locally.
According to Aupindi, exporting raw minerals without local processing deprives Namibia of industrial growth, manufacturing opportunities and employment creation.
He said stronger beneficiation policies could stimulate domestic manufacturing and create sustainable jobs, particularly for young people.
The committee chairperson further raised concerns about limited Namibian participation in the mining, oil and gas sectors, saying multinational companies continue to dominate extraction activities while local communities receive limited benefits.
“During our consultations, communities repeatedly tell us how they are being excluded from the resources found on their own land. This is unacceptable. I therefore advocate for stronger local ownership requirements, greater participation in management structures, and increased inclusion of Namibian professionals in mining, oil, gas, and energy sectors,” he said.
Aupindi said he remained deeply concerned about Namibia’s unemployment crisis despite the country’s vast natural resource base.
He said Namibia’s reserves of diamonds, gold, copper, rare earth minerals, oil and its extensive coastline should be translating into jobs and improved livelihoods instead of persistent poverty and inequality.
Aupindi also criticised what he described as excessive policy discussions without implementation, saying government institutions continue producing reports and strategies while failing to act decisively.
He said Namibia can no longer remain a supplier of raw materials while other countries benefit from value addition and manufacturing.
The parliamentary committee chairperson further called for stronger oversight institutions and ethical leadership, warning that parliamentary committee reports and recommendations should not continue to be ignored.
He said officials would increasingly be held accountable if implementation failures persist.
